Yogi Adityanath launches scathing attack on conversion kingpin, labels him enemy of nation
by Utsav Roy
Following the arrest of Jalaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, believed to be the key figure behind a religious conversion racket, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Tuesday that early findings indicate his actions are not only disruptive to society but also “anti-national.”
“Preliminary investigation shows that the activities of Jalaluddin are harmful to both social order and national interest,” said Adityanath.
Reaffirming his firm stance on law and order, the Chief Minister added, “The assets belonging to the accused and other gang associates will be confiscated, and they will face stringent legal consequences.”
On Saturday, UP’s Anti-Terrorism Squad apprehended Chhangur Baba along with an associate. Both he and his co-accused, Neetu alias Nasreen, are from Madhpur village in Balrampur district.
Authorities had earlier issued a non-bailable warrant against Chhangur Baba, along with a cash reward of ₹50,000 for information leading to his capture.
After their remand was secured, both were presented in court and later sent to Lucknow District Jail.
The case, filed at Gomtinagar police station in Lucknow under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, accuses the individuals of running a systematic operation to convert members of Hindu and other non-Muslim communities to Islam.
According to the police, the accused exploited economically vulnerable individuals, including laborers, widows, and socially disadvantaged groups, using inducements such as financial support, false marriage promises, or threats, completely disregarding legal procedures for religious conversion.
Earlier on April 8, two other individuals linked to the case, Naveen alias Jamaluddin and Mehboob, the son of Jalaluddin, were arrested. Both are also from Balrampur and are currently incarcerated in Lucknow District Jail.
On Tuesday, officials from the district administration, along with the police, carried out demolition operations targeting illegal properties owned by Chhangur Baba and other members of his network in Balrampur.